Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner

Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner The Commissioner’s role is to advocate for fairness, access to services, and recognition for all veterans, regardless of service background.

The NI Veterans Commissioner's Office was established to provide a voice for veterans living in Northern Ireland to ensure fairness and safe access to services, working alongside the Veterans Welfare Service NI. The Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner’s Office (NIVCO) was established in 2020 as part of the New Decade, New Approach agreement, to ensure veterans living in Northern Ireland are pro

perly represented, understood, and supported. As of January 2025, the current Veterans Commissioner is David Johnstone, a former Royal Irish officer with 25 years of service, including operational deployment on Op TELIC. The office works in partnership with government, veteran organisations, and the wider community to help achieve the best outcomes for those who have served. We welcome comments and constructive, respectful dialogue on our page. However, we reserve the right to remove any content considered abusive, offensive, obscene, threatening or otherwise inappropriate. Accounts posting such content, including associated accounts, may also be blocked.

01/09/2026

One Team

For Anto, serving in an Irish regiment wasn't about religion, background or where someone came from.

He served alongside Catholic and Protestant soldiers, including many from the Republic of Ireland, and how they trained, worked and looked after each other as one.

He also shares his view on the Troubles and why, in his eyes, the actions of terrorists should never be justified by political beliefs or described as something noble.

A frank conversation about military brotherhood, the Troubles and how Anto saw things from inside the regiment.

The full episode is live now, watch it here:

nivco.co.uk/podcasts

On Friday evening, Head of Office, Alan, joined the Lord Lieutenant for Co. Antrim and guests at the signing of the Arme...
31/08/2026

On Friday evening, Head of Office, Alan, joined the Lord Lieutenant for Co. Antrim and guests at the signing of the Armed Forces Covenent by Harryville Men’s Shed.

The Armed Forces Covenant is a voluntary pledge to support the welfare, employment and education of the Armed Forces community and their families.

The event marked the 65th organisation in Northern Ireland to sign the Covenant, with Harryville Men’s Shed proudly becoming the first Men’s Shed to sign. RFCA NI would be keen to hear from other organisations and businesses across Northern Ireland with an interest in signing the Armed Forces Covenent.

A fitting recognition of the important contribution made by our Armed Forces community.

Well done to everyone involved in what was an excellent evening in Ballymena Services Club.👏

29/08/2026

Like Family

For Anto, joining the army wasn't just the start of a military career. He found a sense of belonging, trust and support that he had never experienced before.

The friendships formed, have lasted decades, long after his military service ended.

Listen to the full episode on Tuesday, wherever you get your podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/show/2d9CeQ2mLqs0TsTdHL9fnl

💂‍♂️ Irish Guards Charity Golf Day ⛳️Today, Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone, joined fellow veterans, as part of a...
28/08/2026

💂‍♂️ Irish Guards Charity Golf Day ⛳️

Today, Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone, joined fellow veterans, as part of a charity golf day at Edenmore Golf Club.

The event raised vital funds in support of:
💚 The Ulster Branch Irish Guards Association
❤️Army Cadets
💙Kidney Care UK

A wonderful day, great causes, and a fitting way to honour service and sacrifice.

28/08/2026

Life Lessons

Born in Glasgow to Northern Irish parents from different backgrounds, Anto shares how he was raised to see people as people, regardless of religion or where they came from.

Anto's podcast will be available to watch full on Tuesday. Subscribe to get notified when it goes live:

https://www.youtube.com//podcasts

📢New Veterans Hub opened in BallymenaThe Veterans Commissioner was delighted to attend the opening of a new dedicated Ve...
28/08/2026

📢New Veterans Hub opened in Ballymena

The Veterans Commissioner was delighted to attend the opening of a new dedicated Veterans Hub in Ballymena Town centre yesterday afternoon.

This new Hub, run by the Veterans Support Group Ballymena (VSGB), is situated at 62a Church Street, and will serve veterans and their families from across Ballymena and the wider Mid and East Antrim area.

It is anticipated that this new facility will create a permanent local place where veterans and their families can access support, guidance and friendship.

The Ballymena Veterans Hub is the newest addition to the Thrive Together Network, coordinated by Brooke House Health and Wellbeing Centre.

Congratulations to the VSGB Chairperson, Lawrie Philpott, and dedicated committee who have put in so much hard work to get to this point and wish them every success going forward, as they seek to support veterans and their families, in an area which has such a rich military heritage.

The Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone and Head of Office, Alan, had the honour to attend a memorial service this mo...
27/08/2026

The Veterans Commissioner, David Johnstone and Head of Office, Alan, had the honour to attend a memorial service this morning to remember the 18 British soldiers murdered by Republican terrorists on 27 August 1979 at Narrow Water.

We must never forget the sacrifice that they, and many other service personnel, made in defence of law and order during our Troubles-We Will Remember Them.

📣 Exciting news 🙌 our next Veterans’ Evening is coming to Lisburn!Join us on Thursday 1 October at the Island Centre for...
27/08/2026

📣 Exciting news 🙌 our next Veterans’ Evening is coming to Lisburn!

Join us on Thursday 1 October at the Island Centre for a fantastic evening celebrating the courage, determination and incredible spirit of the Invictus Games.

We’re thrilled to welcome Johnny Ball, an Invictus Games Foundation member and former competitor, as our guest speaker. Johnny will offer a fascinating insight into the preparation involved, the experience of competing and what it truly means to take part in the Invictus Games, as we look forward to their return to Birmingham in 2027! 🏅

We also hope to share a special pre-recorded Q&A with Team GB rowing gold medallist Hannah Scott, alongside contributions from veterans hoping to compete in next year’s Games.

This promises to be an inspiring evening and a brilliant opportunity to come together, hear some remarkable stories and discover what Invictus is all about.

🎟️ Admission is completely free, and the event is open to veterans, partners and family members, so please feel free to bring someone along!

Register now at: www.nivco.co.uk

We can’t wait to welcome you!

27/08/2026

A Different World

From a blue light disco in Northern Ireland to serving behind the Iron Curtain.

Anto reflects on the culture shock, adventure and unforgettable experiences of his early days in the army in this clip from Service to Survival: Anto Wickham’s Journey of Brotherhood, Battle & Bikes.

The full episode lands this Tuesday. Subscribe now so you don't miss it.

https://nivco.podbean.com/

25/08/2026

Listen to Glen Epsie's harrowing podcast: The Terrorist Knocks Twice, where Glen retells the story of his lucky escape from another attempt on his life.

This isn't just a story, this is the reality of being a UDR Soldier during the troubles.

Listen to his full podcast here:

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-mdzbw-1a3b540

Address

Unit 9, Maine Business Centre, Main Street, Cullybackey
Ballymena
BT421BW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner:

Shortcuts

Share

Category